Activity 1 Reflection on Parent Workshop for Online Math Access

Activity #1

Parent Workshop on Online Access to Math Program

05/19/10 and 05/23/10

This year at our elementary school we adopted a new math program, enVision math by

Pearson (Pearson School, 2010). One of the strengths of this program is it’s strong online

component. It soon became apparent that the parents, and teachers would need some training in

how to access it. So I worked with our Parent/Community Representative to design and advertise

a parent workshop.

I found a website (RUSD K-6 Elementary, 2010) that had a handout that walked students

(and parents) through the process of registering and accessing the site. Unfortunately, we do not

have a computer lab so I used a projector with my laptop to go through the process. Afterwards, I

was thinking how I could have asked parents to bring a laptop and used my wireless access point

to get them connected. I don’t know if there would have been anyone to do that as we are in a

lower socioeconomic area. It would have been worth a try.

My goal in this workshop was for parents to use technology to maximize learning for

their students. They are able to access online the textbook pages and the animations that the

students viewed at school. They could also access the homework for that lesson. There is also a

glossary and reteach lessons. This helps the parent reinforce the learning that is occurring in the

classroom. A majority of the material is also in Spanish which is very critical to our student

population.

Self-Assessment

I learned how to more effectively help my school community access the math curriculum.

I also learned that the majority of our student population does not have regular internet access.

Previously I was somewhat familiar with the math program but after facilitating this class, I have

a deeper appreciation for it.

Learn as a Learner

I don’t think I knew my audience as well as I would have liked. There were very few

native English speakers there and I did not have a dedicated translator. The class was just okay.

It was sparsely attended and many of those that did attend did not have internet access. The

Parent Representative really wanted us to have a class on the math program. I think we would

have been better off doing a math homework workshop without any online component.

Lifelong Learning Skills

Even though the class was less than ideal, I think it is an important indicator of the future

of education and e-books. I believe more and more content in the public schools will be

delivered online. Economics alone and the lack of funding will drive it if nothing else. I will

continue to work with the district and other educators to be up to date on e-books and online

lessons.

Implementation of the ISTE Indicators

TF-III.B.1: “Use methods and strategies for integrating technology resources that support

the needs of diverse learners, including adaptive and assistive technology” (Williamson &

Redish, 2009, p. 228). The workshop showed the parents how to access materials that were

differentiated by language, and ability.

TF-V.C.5: “Use instructional design principles to develop hypermedia and multimedia

products to support personal and professional development” (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p.

232). I used a multimedia presentation to communicate this information to the parents.

TF-V.C.6: “Select appropriate tools for communicating concepts, conducting research,

and solving problems for an intended audience and purpose” (Williamson & Redish, 2009, p.

232). I used a laptop, projector, and handouts for the parent workshop. I should have installed a

wireless access point and asked parents to bring laptops.

References

Pearson School. (2010). Envision Math California. Retrieved from

http://pearsonschool.com/index.cfm?locator=PSZl8z

RUSD K-6 Elementary, (2010). Envision math website; Student directions. Retrieved at

http://math.rusdtech.net/enVision.htm

Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership

standards:What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR:

International Society for Technology in Education